OUTLINE-DRIVEN DATABASE EDITING AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM

摘要

A relational database is created and queried through the use of an outliner-style text editor which permits automatic generation of data entry forms for the creation of records. Data entry and editing are simplified and errors are minimized because changes in the outline are automatically reflected in the data entry forms and thus the automatically updated records. Data retrieval is driven through the manipulation of the outline to allow simple and complex queries without utilizing a database programming language. A specialized global field is utilized in which identical field names may be repetitively inserted into several databases. In the data entry mode, a global value can be set and that value is automatically inserted into each database record containing that global field as they are created so that relations are made automatically within the various databases. In the data retrieval mode, the global field can be used to control the display of the outline to truncate the outline to only those categories and fields containing data for a specific global field value, thereby to display only relevant outline portions. A field mapper allows the operator to immediately see the changes in the outline and direct old fields to new names or positions and indicate new fields which are to be inserted into the existing records, all prior to execution of the changed outline in terms of data entry. The query mode features a continually displayed outline in an Outline Window. Criteria are specified in a Criteria Window in which one or more fields are assigned specific search values. Records matching the criteria are displayed in a Response Window. For an outline-wide word occurrence search, areas of the outline which include an occurrence of the word are highlighted.